Fan Parameter Constancy via Motor Feedback Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fan systems face challenges in maintaining precise air output due to changing external and internal influences, such as filter clogging and varying installation conditions, which affect the association between speed, power, and volume flow, making it difficult to regulate fluidic parameters consistently.

Innovation Solution

A method that controls fluidic parameters of a fan by interacting motor parameters with a predetermined control system, using a measured fan map to compare actual and target values, adjusting speed and motor parameters to maintain setpoints without the need for additional sensors, specifically applicable to fans with forward-curved radial wheels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fan is operated with a constant motor parameter, then the control system is simple, but the fluidic parameters cannot be maintained constant under changing conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidfluidic parameter constancy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors motor parameters (speed, power, volume flow) and compares actual fluidic parameters with setpoint values. When deviations are detected, the system automatically adjusts motor parameters to restore the desired operating conditions, ensuring constant fluidic output despite changing external and internal influences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically adapts motor parameters based on real-time operating conditions. Instead of using a fixed constant motor parameter, the system continuously adjusts speed, power, and volume flow to compensate for filter contamination, ductwork variations, and other changing conditions, maintaining optimal fluidic performance throughout the fan's service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If additional sensors are added to measure fluidic parameters, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluidic parameter measurementVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses motor parameters (speed, power, volume flow) as intermediary measurements to indirectly determine fluidic parameters. Instead of directly measuring fluidic properties with complex sensors, the control system leverages readily available motor data in combination with the fan characteristic map to calculate and control fluidic output, achieving precise control without additional measurement hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical/fluidic measurement systems with an electronic control approach. Instead of using physical flow sensors or pressure sensors to directly measure fluidic parameters, the system substitutes these with electronic monitoring of motor parameters and computational determination of fluidic conditions using stored characteristic curves, simplifying the measurement system while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the fan characteristic curve is measured under ideal conditions, then the initial performance is optimal, but actual performance deviates under installation conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial fan performanceVSAvoidperformance consistency under varying conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fan characteristic map is pre-measured and stored in the control system under ideal conditions. This preliminary characterization of fan performance across different operating points enables the control system to predict and compensate for deviations, allowing the fan to maintain optimal performance even when installed in different configurations or subjected to varying operating conditions throughout its service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically changes motor parameters (speed, power, volume flow) based on the stored characteristic map and actual operating conditions. By adjusting these parameters in real-time, the system compensates for deviations caused by filter contamination, ductwork variations, and other installation-specific factors, maintaining consistent fluidic performance despite changes in the operating environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3707386B1Parameter constancy
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 EBM PAPST MULFINGEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3707386B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3707386B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3707386B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for regulating fluidic parameters of a ventilator in a system.